Rev. Dr. Stephanie M. Raglin
Host Pastor Historic St. Paul AME Church
Rev. Dr. Stephanie M. Raglin is the Host Pastor of Historic St. Paul AME Church. Her vision is to "Let’s Rebuild God’s House God’s Way." She has been in ministry for 17 and 1/2 years. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Organizational Management from Midway University, a Master of Christian Leadership and Divinity, a Master of Pastoral Counseling, and a Doctoral of Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary. She is also a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor and has been practicing in the substance abuse treatment field since 2001. Stephanie has extensive experience in various settings, including intensive outpatient, adult residential, criminal justice, and various outpatient levels of care and other life circumstances. She has provided a range of services, including substance abuse, spirituality, cognitive behavioral intervention, motivational interviewing, and more. Stephanie was appointed in June 2023 by Mayor Linda Gorton to lead the Lexington Fayette Urban County Opioid Abatement Commission. The commission has been tasked with making recommendations to the Mayor and Urban County Council on how to best utilize the funds received from the National Opioid Litigation settlement. Additionally, the commission will allocate funds coming to Lexington from drug companies that have contributed to the opioid epidemic. Stephanie is also the owner of Serenitee At Its Best Counseling Center.
Reginald Thomas
Forum Moderator
Kentucky State Senate
Historic St. Paul AME Church
Reginald Thomas is the moderator of our virtual community forum. He is a member of Historic St. Paul AME Church, where he serves in various leadership roles, including Pro Tem of the Trustee Board and member of The Lay Organization. Reggie is an attorney and law professor, and he is also a member of the Kentucky State Senate, representing District 13. He serves on several Senate committees, including Chair of the Senate Minority Caucus. Reggie earned his bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and his Juris Doctor from Harvard University.
Our Panelist
Kimberly H. Baird
Fayette Commonwealth Attorney
Fayette Commonwealth Attorney's Office
Kimberly H. Baird is a trailblazer! She became the first African American woman in Kentucky to serve as the Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney. Kimberly was born and raised in Lexington, graduating from the University of Kentucky in 1993, and the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1996. She is passionate about finding solutions to the issues facing our community. Kimberly has chaired Lexington’s Annual Roots and Heritage Festival for the past 17 years and serves as the Board Treasurer for the Community Action Council. She is also a member of Jack and Jill of America Inc., the Junior League of Lexington, and an honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and the Kentucky Association of Professional African American Women (KAPAAW). In recognition of her expertise, Kimberly was asked to serve on the Mayor’s Commission for Racial Justice and Equality – Law Enforcement, Justice, and Accountability in 2020.
Ricardo Franklin
Community Outreach Coordinator
Fayette County Sheriff's Office
Ricardo Franklin is carrying on his deceased mother’s legacy assuming her role as Community Outreach Coordinator in the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. His mother, the beloved Lexington activist and nurse Anita Rowe Franklin began working with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office after her son, Antonio Franklin Jr. became a victim of gun violence. Ricardo’s role as Community Outreach Coordinator involves fostering the connection between the community and law enforcement. He is committed to improving relationships in the community and making Lexington a better place to live.
Andrew Hager
Andrew Hager "Live"
Andrew Hager was born and raised in the Irish Town area of Lexington, Kentucky, Andrew lived much of his life as a drug addict who consistently found himself in trouble with the law. Through a 12-step program, his faith in God, and the support of his family and friends, life is much different for Andrew today. Andrew shares his success and challenges through his motivational Facebook Live Show every Wednesday night., “Andrew Hager Live”. He reaches tens of thousands of people looking for support through the illness of addiction.
Destin Mizelle
Counseling Psychology
University of Kentucky 3rd year Doctoral Student
Destin Mizelle is a Third-year Counseling Psychology doctoral student from College Park, GA. He earned his B.S. in Psychology and Minored in African American Studies at the University of Georgia and his M.S. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky. Destin’s research interest broadly includes racial socialization, social justice, mental health disparities in the Black communities, and Black American cultural appreciation. Specifically, Destin is interested in celebrating African American naming patterns and examining the psychological effects of bearing Black Sounding Names.
